Monday, September 15, 2025

Engineer's Brain

Engineer Pedro had a problem with his washing machine with water leaking on the floor. His assessment was that the swirl tub had cracked and he would have to buy a new machine.. Anyway he called the service centre.

The mechanic seemed tired with his job. In an irritated voice, he asked: ‘Was the machine always placed such in this area?’ Pedro was surprised by the silly question but he thought over it and replied that he had changed the orientation but not the location of the machine.

 

The mechanic immediately identified the problem. The floor tiles had a slight slope that made a few drops of water slip outside the rim if the tub. Over a period of time, water accumulated on the floor would slip out. Pedro asked, ‘Don’t you want to check the tub for any cracks?’

 

The mechanic said that the tub was of tough seamless material and could not crack. Once the machine was shifted to its original orientation, the problem was solved. Grateful that he did not have to buy a new machine, Pedro thanked him and said, ‘I am an engineer but you have an engineer’s brain.’

 

The engineering brain is a blend of logic, creative open mindedness and problem-solving skills. Engineers have a distinct cognitive profile that enables them to design, build and innovate complex systems, structures and technologies. However it is important to ensure that every detail is considered and accounted for.


The Engineer’s brain solves the problem and creates solution
With attention to detail, logic and open minded innovation!

 

~ Pravin K Sabnis

 

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Monday, September 8, 2025

Thousand Times

The storylines of martial arts films are similar. The protagonist is a simple, nice guy. And the antagonist is an expert in martial arts. In the fight between the good and the bad, the bad one wins as he is stronger and skilled. The hero goes to a master to learn self-defence and attack.

He is exasperated when the master teaches him only a single move and insists that he practise it again and again. The hero pleads with his master, ‘Please teach me more moves’. The wise master replies, ‘it is not the thousand moves that you know that will help you… it is the one move you have practised a thousand times!’

Singers and musicians involve in dedicated riyaz! Batsmen practise the same stroke that they want to become better at. Bowlers strive to bowl the yorker again and again, in the nets. Novice artists keep drawing the same strokes till they become proficient. Actors keep repeating lines till they are flawless.

While it is good to know many moves, the ones that matter will be ones you have done many times! Interestingly, in every sphere, the fundamental moves are few and the rest are variations. So it makes sense to work a thousand times on the fundamentals.

Never mind thousand moves that you may know
Those done a thousand times are ones to show!

 

~ Pravin K Sabnis

 

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Monday, September 1, 2025

Eat!

‘Do not force feed, let the person freely eat’ - is an important lesson in the area of teaching. 

Traditional techniques choose the revealing theory followed by justifications to underline the importance and relevance of the revealed information. However the most effective method that meshes better with how the brain works and assimilates information, is to introduce it through the EAT theory.

The acronym EAT refers to Experience, Awareness and Theory. The approach starts with the learner going through an actual experience or sharing learnings from an earlier experience.

The second step includes debriefing and discussion to bring about an Awareness of what they experienced. Lastly to tie up loose ends, the trainer ensures the Theory is confirmed.

The reverse process focuses only on explaining the theory. Information is passed on but the probability of real transfer of knowledge is at a huge disadvantage.

Experiential learning draws its vision from the maxim that ‘lessons are not meant to be taught… they are meant to be learnt.’ It is about helping learners to embark on a dynamic journey of observation, thinking and interaction. We facilitate learning when we allow learners to EAT with an open mind!

Why fetter learners’ feet

Let them freely EAT!

~ Pravin K Sabnis


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Last Monday muse 25/8

 Here is the Monday Muse of 25 August

SOLO TRIP

Travelling leads to new insights of places, communities and their culture. While many prefer to travel with organised group tours, the truly liberating experience is on a solo trip.

Traveling solo offers opportunity for self-discovery, growth and exploration. It allows individuals to break free from constraints of routine, challenge themselves and develop a deeper understanding of the world and themselves

Solo trip gives you the freedom to create your own itinerary, make spontaneous decisions and explore at your own pace. Without the influence of others, you are forced to rely on yourself, leading to a greater understanding of your strengths and weaknesses.

Solo trip provides opportunities to meet fellow travelers and locals, potentially leading to lasting connections and friendships. Traveling alone pushes you to navigate unfamiliar environments, try new foods and engage in activities you might not have attempted otherwise.

Travelling in a group may bring along comfort and convenience, but it also makes for restrictive framework. When we are free to explore, it ensures the benefits of choice and expecting the unexpected. We end up discovering our true self.


Solo trip brings along lots of freedoms truly fine

Besides places and people, discover self sublime

~ Pravin K Sabnis


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Monday, August 18, 2025

Inspiration

Inspiration is a powerful force that can transform lives. It's the spark that ignites passion, fuels motivation and propels individuals to pursue dreams. It has the ability to touch our hearts and minds, motivating us to strive for excellence and make a positive impact in the world.


Inspiration can have a profound impact on individuals and society as a whole. It can fuel creativity, encouraging individuals to think outside the box and explore new ideas.


Inspiration can motivate individuals to take action, pursue passions and work towards their goals. It boosts confidence, helping individuals to believe in themselves and their abilities. It can create a sense of connection and community, bringing people together around a shared purpose or passion.


Inspiration can come from a variety of sources. Role models inspire us with their achievements and vision. The beauty and wonder of nature can inspire us to appreciate the world around us and strive for sustainability.


When we're inspired, we're more likely to inspire others. This creates a ripple effect, where inspiration spreads and has a positive impact on those around us. By sharing our passions, ideas, and experiences, we can inspire others to pursue their own dreams and make a difference.


Inspiration turns dark to light

Ideas & action will surely delight


~ Pravin K Sabnis

Monday, August 11, 2025

One Hand Clap


A monk asked a Zen master, "What is the sound of one hand clapping?" The master responded with silence.

The monk asked again, "What is the sound of one hand clapping?" The master replied, "You are not listening to the sound of one hand clapping. You are listening to your own thoughts."


This Zen koan highlights the limitations of language and our tendency to think in dualistic terms. It encourages us to move beyond conceptual thinking and experience reality directly.

The sound of one hand clapping represents the paradox of trying to capture reality in words. It's a call to look beyond the surface level and explore the depths of our own minds.

One hand clap is silent despite the might

But inner joy will surely shine with delight!

~ Pravin K Sabnis

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Monday, August 4, 2025

Country First

Samraat Clubs across Goa are set to celebrate ‘Country First Week’ from 9 to 15 August to inculcate the spirit of patriotism. Yesterday a program was held to kick-off the event. State level ‘Country First Awards’ were presented to firebrand freedom fighter, Rohidas Dessai & Nehru Yuvak Kendra represented by its dynamic official, Kalidas Ghatwal.

Both the awardees made rousing speeches to prioritize the well-being, interests and development of one's country above personal or individual interests. They spoke about the need for accountability in governance as well as fulfilling of responsibilities by all citizens. They insisted that courage has to combine with conviction.

 

‘Country First’ promotes a mindset that prioritizes unity, civic responsibility and pride in our kinship as countrymen. We must take ownership of our actions and their impact on the country. We must embrace diversity and working together for the country's progress. All this calls for selflessness and sacrificing personal gains for the greater good.

 

The action approach must include civic engagement and active participation in participatory processes. We must commit to community service and finding innovative 

solutions to emerging challenges. Most importantly, the motto of Country First must not be an occasional emotion but a consistent and persistent value system.

 

May ‘Country First’ be a guiding light

As a responsibility to do what is right!

 

~ Pravin K Sabnis


 

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